Minutes of the Meeting of the Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday, 5th September, 2006 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe.
Members Present:
Clr. J.C. Birdsall – Chair
Clrs. J.A. Barlow, Mrs. C. Beal, Mrs. J.E. Birdsall, Mrs. M. Clarke, Mrs. S.A. Dellapuppa, Mrs. G. Hague, R.J. Lockwood, R.S. Mottram, R. McSkimming, T.D. Sigsworth, G. Turner, C. Watson.
189. Declaration of Councillors’ Interests
Clr. J.C. Birdsall declared a prejudicial interest in – Cross Lane, Skelmanthorpe (agenda 8(1)), and a personal interest in planning application 2006/93262; Clr. Mrs. J.E. Birdsall declared personal interests in – Cross Lane Skelmanthorpe (agenda 8(1))and planning application 2006/93262; Clr. G. Turner declared a personal interest in – Cross Lane, Skelmanthorpe (agenda 8(1)); Clr. Watson declared a prejudicial interest in application 2006/93183.
190 Appointment of Co-optee
It was proposed by Clr. Mottram, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED unanimously that Mr. R.J. Lockwood be elected as a co-optee for the Clayton West Ward of the Denby Dale Parish Council and also be appointed to the Plans Scrutiny Committee. Mr. Lockwood thereupon signed the declaration of acceptance of office and took his seat.
191 Suspension of Standing Orders
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Dellapuppa and RESOLVED that standing orders be suspended in accordance with standing order no. 79 in order that Clr. Jim Dodds, Clr. Maggie Blanshard and members of the public could address the meeting.
192 Public Discussion Time
A member of the public expressed concern about planning application 93262, development at Cumberworth Road, Skelmanthorpe, in respect of density, design and highway issues.
193 School Transport
Clr. Jim Dodds and Clr. Maggie Blanshard of Kirklees M.C. were welcomed to the meeting. Clr. Dodds opened the proceedings by stating that it is the duty of the Authority to provide home to school transport but must only provide assistance when there are no educational facilities within two miles for pupils under eight and three miles for pupils of eight or over. These distances are calculated by Kirklees’ officers walking with a pedometer over designated roads. Kirklees are looking at ways of streamlining the appeal system in order that decisions regarding funding of transport are made more speedily. New legislation which comes into force in November, 2006, increases the 2 – 3 mile ratio to 6 miles for families on low incomes. Initially, the cost will be borne by the Government with eventually the Local Authority footing the bill.
A Yellow Bus scheme has been introduced in some areas such as at Honley and King James schools. All schools have been asked to submit a school travel plan, so far 35 out of the 194 schools have done so. £5,000, available for each primary school, and £10,000 for each High School can be accessed when a feasibility plan has been submitted.
Kirklees is in close liaison with community travel providers who must work under Metro guidelines. A Committee is being set up to look at the issue of school transport and to formulate a plan to cover all eventualities.
However, it is not the Local Authority’s responsibility to ensure that children get to school safely – that is the responsibility of parents. Kirklees officers must follow the rules laid down in legislation.
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Questions were asked about the criteria for the provision of yellow buses. Concerns were also expressed about the safety issues on school buses and the possibility of conductor provision was raised.
194 Off Street Parking - Skelmanthorpe
Discussion took place about off street parking in Skelmanthorpe and the possibility of the usage of existing private parking areas should the businesses be agreeable. Clr. Dodds agreed to liaise with Clr. Ward in regard to this.
195 Return to Standing Orders
It was proposed by Clr. Mottram, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that standing orders be returned to.
196 Change of Agenda Items
It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that agenda items 8 (2) and 15, relating to school transport and planning application no. 2006/93262, be brought forward for discussion.
197 School Transport
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Barlow and RESOLVED that the Clr. Dodds be asked to investigate further the possibility of usage of yellow school buses in this area and also the provision of conductors on school buses.
198
Planning Application 2006/62/93262/E3 – Bovis Homes. Erection of residential development (48 2 & 3 storey dwellings with garages and associated works) on land off
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that the following observations be submitted in regard to the above: Object. Density too high. 3 storey development out of character with area and street scene. Road safety issues and pressure on
199. Apologies for absence
Reasons for absence from the meeting were submitted from Clrs. E.I. Shaw, R.G. Allen, Dr. M. Allen, D.W. Kaye, J.D. Carr, Mrs. V. Woodhead, A.N. Weatherby. It was proposed by Clr. Mrs. Dellapuppa, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the apologies submitted by the above Councillors be accepted as valid reasons.
200. Minutes
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Mrs. J.E. Birdsall and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 4th July, 2006 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
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201 Local Development Framework – Public Meeting
Clr. J.C. Birdsall gave a report on the public meeting held on
Skelmanthorpe Community Action Group has also held an inaugural public meeting and has agreed to liaise with the Parish Council in relation to the LDF.
202 Neighbourhood Policing
Further to Min. No. 138, the Clerk submitted a letter from West Yorkshire Police which stated that the current levels of staffing at Denby Dale are not under threat. It was proposed by Clr. Barlow, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that representatives of the Police be invited to the December meeting to discuss Rural Policing.
203 Footway at Warburton, Emley
Further to Min. No. 139, the Clerk reported that there have been no injury accidents during a five year period, therefore no engineering works can be carried out at this junction. However, the hedge will be cut back to the wall to improve the situation for pedestrians.
At this moment the Chair left the meeting.
204 Appointment of Chair pro tem
It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair Clr. Watson be appointed Chair pro tem.
205 Cross Lane
Clr. McSkimming gave a report on the public meeting held in regard to antisocial behaviour in the above location. It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that, in support of concerned residents, the Police be informed about concerns in regard to littering, obscene language, drinking and speeding and noise from cars.
At this point the Chair returned to the meeting.
206 Off Street Parking, Skelmanthorpe
No further matters were discussed in regard to this issue.
207 Royal Garden
Clr. Barlow reported on his and Mrs. Barlow’s visit to the Royal Garden Party in July. This was as a result of an invitation through the Yorkshire Local Councils’ Association.
208 Hepworth Site Visit
It was reported that the visit had been cancelled due to bereavement.
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209 Speed Limit – Warburton, Emley
Further to Min. 62, it was reported that Kirklees were unable to justify installing road safety measures at this time.
210 Annual Newsletter
It was reported that the newsletter had been distributed to most areas of the parish. Some positive response had been received.
211 Reports
The following documents were submitted to the meeting: Penistone Line Partnership Summer/Autumn Journal; Kirklees Partnership – Minutes and Agenda; West Yorkshire Police Consultation Event; C.P.R.E. Fieldwork magazine; Highway Maintenance statement; Police report.
212 Plans Scrutiny Committee
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Plans Scrutiny Committee held on 1st August, 2006 be approved and adopted.
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. McSkimming and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Plans Scrutiny Committee held on 29th August, 2006 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
213 Radio mast at Clayton West.
Further to Min. No. 176, the Clerk reported that appreciation of action taken by the Council had been received from a resident of Clayton West.
214 Local Authority Documents
The Clerk submitted a document from Kirklees M.C. which dealt with Corporate Policy for Community Buildings.
215 Exclusion of Press and Public
In regard to min 214 above, it was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Barlow and RESOLVED that in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the press and public be temporarily excluded and asked to withdraw from the meeting.
216 Denby Dale Area Committee
Minutes and agendas of the Area Committee were submitted to the meeting.
217 Standards Committee
No report was received
218 Yorkshire Local Councils’ Association
No reports were received.
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219 Orders for Payment
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Dellapuppa and RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule no. 442, totalling £3,410.52 be authorised.
220 Dates of Next Meetings
Full Council Meeting:
Plans Scrutiny Committee:
Home and Leisure Safety Committee:
Environment Trust:
CHAIR
